Summary
This field-based study demonstrates that sustained nitrogen fertilisation accelerates the decomposition of organic carbon stored within soil aggregates by shifting the structure of microbial communities. The work suggests that long-term nitrogen enrichment favours microbial populations with enhanced decomposition capacity, thereby reducing the persistence of soil organic matter. The findings highlight a potential trade-off between optimising nitrogen availability for crop nutrition and conserving soil carbon stocks in arable systems.
UK applicability
These findings are relevant to UK cereal and mixed farming systems where nitrogen fertiliser use is routine. The results suggest that current nitrogen management practices may inadvertently accelerate soil carbon loss, a consideration for UK farms seeking to meet net-zero and soil health commitments whilst maintaining productivity.
Key measures
Organic carbon mineralisation rates in soil aggregates; microbial community composition (as suggested by molecular profiling); microbial biomass; greenhouse gas emissions
Outcomes reported
The study measured organic carbon mineralisation rates in soil aggregates and changes in microbial community composition in response to long-term nitrogen fertilisation. It assessed how sustained nitrogen inputs alter microbial populations and their effects on carbon cycling dynamics in arable soils.
Topic tags
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